Mosquito-Borne Disease Season

In West Virginia, mosquito-borne diseases are most common in the summer and fall, when mosquitoes are active. State and local health departments track mosquito activity during this season.

Diseases in West Virginia

  • La Crosse encephalitis is the mosquito-borne illness reported most often in the state. The state reports about 10 to 20 cases a year. Most cases are in children aged 15 or younger.
  • West Nile virus is not common in West Virginia residents. Routine checks of mosquitoes in some counties often find the virus. In October 2016, the county health department and the Putnam County Health Department found a pool of mosquitoes in the area that tested positive for West Nile virus.
  • Travel-related diseases, such as dengue fever and malaria, are reported in West Virginia residents each year.

Steps to cut mosquito bites

The CDC gave these steps:

  • Use an insect repellent registered with the EPA. Examples of active ingredients are DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and oil of lemon eucalyptus. Do not use oil of lemon eucalyptus or PMD on children under 3.
  • Wear loose, long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
  • Put screens on windows and doors, and repair holes in them.
  • Once a week, empty, scrub, turn over, cover or throw out items that hold water. Examples are tires, buckets, toys, pools, birdbaths and flowerpot saucers.

Local health officials in 2016 also told people to keep gutters clean and to call a health care provider without delay about severe symptoms after a bite. See Suggestions Offered for Dealing With Mosquito-Borne Illnesses.

This information is kept here as a record and may not be current advice. Check current guidance from the CDC or your doctor.

Sources

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